$20m for US research into energy efficient lighting

Five manufacturing projects to support research and development into energy efficient lighting products has been launched in the US.

The Department of Energy is providing $10 million (£6.45m) worth of investment, with the same amount matched by private sector funding. The projects will focus on cutting manufacturing costs while improving the quality and performance of LEDs.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “This partnership with industry to produce affordable, efficient lighting will save consumers money and create American jobs. It’s another example of how energy efficiency is a win-win proposition for our economy.”

According to new research by the US Energy Department, installations of LED lamps and fixtures have increased 10-fold in the last two years – from 4.5 million units in 2010 to 49 million units last year – expected to save around $675 million (£435m) in energy costs every year. LED lighting is projected to represent around 75% of all lighting sales by 2030, saving enough energy to power around 26 million US homes.